Golders Green London Guide

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If leafy suburbs, vibrant town centres and excellent transport links float your boat, then the North West London town of Golders Green might just be the next area that you should call ‘home’.

Good schools in the NW11 postcode attract families, while a stop on the Northern Line means that getting around is easy. Hampstead Garden Suburb is the main attraction in Golders Green, appealing to a range of affluent families thanks to its many extravagant houses.

Fortunately, you don’t have to be a millionaire to call NW11 your home, even if there is a street aptly nicknamed, “Millionaires Row”. Apartments and houses nearer to the high street offer more affordable rental prices and plenty of convenience.

On a Map

Golders Green comes under the London Borough of Barnet and is 5.5 miles northwest of Charing Cross.

History

Golders takes its name from a family called Godyere who lived in the area, while the Green comes from a manorial common at a crossroad next to where the town was built. Since the 13th century, the area has been a place in the parish and manor of Hendon.

In 1907, Hampstead Garden Suburb was born out of an initiative to save part of Hampstead Heath from development. East London philanthropist Dame Henrietta Barnett wanted to create more homes for all classes mixed in with a beautiful place to live.

Then, in 1910, Golders Green became more popularised thanks to the introduction of the tube station, which opened the area’s accessibility to nearby Finchley.

Renting in Golders Green

Renters have plenty of choices when it comes to property types in Golders Green. While Hampstead Garden Suburb is the main attraction with its mansion houses, other parts of NW11 feature art deco properties, houses from the 20s and 30s, and quaint cottages.

The area attracts families because of its proximity to sought-after schools, while professionals enjoy convenient travel links by bus and tube. Affluent families tend to go for properties in Hampstead Garden Suburb, with single professionals search closer to the high street.

The average rental price of a one-bedroom home in Golders Green is just over £1,300 per month. Two-bedroom properties will set you back £2,340 and three-bedroom flats and houses achieve in the region of £3,420.

Who Lives There?

Golders Green is home to a large Jewish community and is known as the kosher hub of the capital. There is also strong South East Asian and Japanese influence in the area. The male/female ratio is fairly even, split with the male population slightly edging it by 51 to 49 percent. The average age is 34.

Transport

Golders Green Tube station is the primary transport method in the area and is located on the Northern Line. Direct services to Leicester Square, Tottenham Court Road, and Charing Cross take around 21 minutes, while Camden and Hampstead are a 10-minute journey away.

Bus routes go to Victoria, Aldwych, Oxford Circus, Hampstead and Finchley Road as well as Brent Cross Shopping Centre. The area comes under Zone 3, with a monthly Zone 1,2 and 3 travel card costing £156.30 (as of October 2018).

The area’s proximity to the North Circular provides drivers with convenient access to most parts of London via car.

Things To Do

There is an eclectic mix of restaurants, as well as nearby amenities, in Golders Green that provide an array of options for residents.

Restaurants

A kosher restaurant that serves Thai, Italian and Middle Eastern cuisine, Isola Bella is one of Golders Green’s many gems. There are pizzas aplenty, Israeli salads, Thai egg rolls and much more, all served in an inviting and spirited atmosphere.

Damoa is a Korean and Japanese cafe in the heart of Golders Green. Swing by for a mocha Bubble Tea, lychee smoothie or an Oreo sundae, or stay longer and enjoy sushi, miso soup, ramyun noodle soup and even some fried chicken.

The Old Bull and Bush is more akin to a countryside pub than it is inner-city dining. The cosy interiors create a “log and fire” appeal, while the food is up there with some of the best gastropubs in London. Even if you’re not in the mood for some nosh, don’t hesitate to stop by for a drink while having a natter with the friendly locals.

Where: N End Way, Hampstead, London NW3 7HE

Amenities

High Street

Golders Green High Street offers a range of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. While we’ve covered some of the best places to eat in the area, there is still room to mention favourites such as Head Room Cafe and the Kosher Kingdom supermarket.

Hampstead Heath

With more than 790 acres of woods, hills and meadows, Hampstead Heath is a great place to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The woodlands make for a pleasant autumn walk - you might see local wildlife or one of the 180 species of birds. Head to Parliament Hill for sweeping views of the capital.

If the short trip to Hampstead Heath doesn’t rock your world, perhaps Golders Hill Park will be more suitable. The landscaped grounds feature Mediterranean and water gardens, a cafe and even a bandstand. Oh, and let’s not forget the zoo and butterfly house.

Moving to Golders Green

It’s not hard to see why Golders Green is in such demand - there are plenty of things to do, affordable rental prices that mean you don’t need to sell a kidney just to cover the deposit, and a collection of scenic open spaces that add to a tranquil vibe away from the high street. It’s time to strike gold in Golders Green.